Do
you ever look back on the trials that you go through and find it hard
to believe that you survived? It's been 17 years since my accident and
for the first time Tuesday, I had a moment of amazement... That's the
only word I can describe it right now. I forget that I am in a
wheelchair. I mean I just do what I have to do with my body because I
don't have a choice if I want to live! I don't live because I am in a
wheelchair! Often I will walk past a mirror and see my reflection and
still be a little surprised that that's me! And then of course it's
like, oh that's right, I'm in a wheelchair! Well Tuesday I was on my way
to the temple and my amazing dad went with me to get gas in my car
after I left work so I would have a full tank. After we finished I saw
the air pump and remembered that my tires in my chair could use some
air! So I drove over to him and asked him if he could put air in. Of
course he said yes, and then I grabbed my wheels and passed them to him.
First the one wheel, and then as I watched him fill it up I thought
about the people around us watching. Wondering if they even knew that it
was for a wheelchair. And then this feeling came over me of wow! I am
in a wheelchair! That wheel is mine, I need it to get around. (Yes I am
in denial that I use a wheelchair. :) ) I see myself like a lot of
others see me. I know I can do anything! And if I can't do it alone,
just as long as there is someone beside me helping to make the necessary
accommodations, I am all good :) But sometimes I forget how hard it
was! And even now I am surprised that we went through something so hard!
This
was not how I thought my life would be when I was younger. But it is
and we survived the hardest part! The beginning and initial huge life
adjustment and how much my parents and family went through so much when I
had my accident. We went through something that was really hard! And we
made it! In fact we didn't just make it, but we have tried to make the
best of it! I don't say this in a prideful way at all! I know where that
strength and love and support have come from! I know I wouldn't be
where I am today without the comfort and the love and support of my
brother Jesus Christ and my loving Heavenly Father, who let something
really bad happen to me, so that I could learn and grow and become the
better person that I am today. I am so grateful He let that happen! Or
that he let me choose to let this happen. I have learned so much! My
family has learned so much! But I think the biggest lesson we have
learned is how to rely on the Lord and feel of His love and support! I
am so grateful for my wonderful parents who have been with me every step
of the way. They have selfishly given their time, money and anything
else they could have to be there for me...and still are. I wouldn't be
where I am today without their love and support. Today is my dads 60th
birthday and I just want to say thank you so much for being such a great
example of love and support! You have made such amazing sacrifices in
my behalf that I don't know if I can ever repay you. I am so honored to
have a father who is worthy of the priesthood, and who honors that
responsibility. I love you and am so grateful that you are MY Father!
Happy Birthday, Dad!!!
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